Training equipment

Abstract

The present invention is a training device for training a user's grip and strength. A rod element is disposed through a female tube disposed at a first end of the rod. The rod extends through a male tube that is inserted at least partially into the female tube. A grommet is disposed on the rod and within the female tube and abuts the male tube. A fastening means is coupled to the first end of the rod and reduces movement of the grommet toward the first end. A tensioner is rotatably attached to a second end of the rod and, when rotated clockwise, urges the male tube forward against the grommet, which is compressed between the male tube and the fastening means and expands within the female tube. The grommet pressing against the interior of the female tube provides a desired resistance to a user rotating an attached training member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 164,588, filed Mar. 23, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, physical therapy, exercise / strength training, and sports training involve conventional intensive training and stretching exercises to improve the performance of athletes. Often, during training, stretching, weightlifting, and other exercises are performed. While these exercises may help improve performance, in sports that require gripping or holding a ball or other object to some extent, athletes do not have the ability to train with proper hand positioning. Such sports include baseball, softball, football, disc golf, darts, racquetball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, badminton, shot put, bowling, dodgeball, and the like.

[0003] Therefore, considering these problems with conventional exercises and exercise equipment, there remains a need for improved training to strengthen the forearm, wrist, and / or hand using an adjustable ball or other object with other advantages for use in sports or activities. There is also a need for methods of using such training devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to the field of equipment used in physical therapy, exercise / physical training, and sports training such as baseball, softball, football, disc golf, darts, racquetball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, badminton, shot put, bowling, and dodgeball, for teaching appropriate techniques, developing motor memory, and strengthening muscles through strength training of activities using the forearm, wrist, and / or hand.

[0005] The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the subject matter of the claims and the disclosures herein. Rather, the embodiments are selected and described so that those skilled in the art can recognize and understand the principles and tenets of the subject matter of the claims.

[0006] A training apparatus shown and described herein.

[0007] Furthermore, 1) a central rod element having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first tip; 2) a female cylinder extending along the axis of the central rod element and located at the first end of the central rod element; 3) a male cylinder having at least one bearing surface (e.g., a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface), extending at least partially along the axis of the central rod element between the first end and the second end of the central rod element, and being inserted into at least a portion of the female cylinder; and 4) provided at the first end of the central rod element and having at least one inner bearing surface inside the female cylinder. A training device comprising: a grommet that partially contacts; 5) fastening means provided at the first tip of the first end of the central rod element and at least partially fastened to the central rod element; 6) a rotating element provided at the second end of the central rod element and at least partially contacting the inside of the male cylinder; and 7) a tensioner rotatably mounted on the second end of the central rod element and pressed by the rotating element, wherein when the tensioner, the central rod element, and the female cylinder rotate clockwise, the grommet is compressed between the male cylinder and the fastening means.

[0008] The training device may further comprise an overmolding at least partially positioned on the male tube. The training device may also further comprise a mounting clip at least partially positioned on the female tube. In some embodiments, the mounting clip further comprises a male connector.

[0009] The training device further comprises a training member, the training member having a training member insert with a female connector, and is configured to be attached to the first end side of the male connector of the mounting clip.

[0010] In the training device, the tensioner, central rod element, and female cylinder rotate counterclockwise, and the grommet is depressurized between the male cylinder and the fastening means. In some embodiments, the grommet is made of rubber.

[0011] The training device may further have structured surfaces inside the female cylinder.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned and related objectives, the following description and accompanying drawings illustrate specific exemplary embodiments and implementations. These represent only a small number of the various ways in which one or more embodiments are used. Other embodiments, advantages, and novel features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood by referring to the attached drawings and reading the detailed description below.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a front view of a training device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a component diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the first arm of the training device.

[0016] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the training device.

[0017] Figure 4 is a front view of a part of the training component. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The embodiments described herein are shown in the following descriptions relating to specific embodiments. Alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope described herein. In addition, well-known embodiments described herein are not described in detail or are omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details described herein. Furthermore, some terms used herein are defined below to facilitate understanding of the description.

[0019] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “acting as an example, case, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are illustrative, not limiting. It should be understood that the embodiments described are not necessarily preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, the term “embodiment” does not require that all embodiments include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0020] This disclosure generally relates to exercise assemblies that provide beneficial improvements over current exercise and training equipment when used in a variety of products, namely training equipment such as throwing, throwing and gripping exercise devices. These improvements to the training devices described herein include improvements for teaching appropriate techniques, developing motor memory, and strengthening muscles through strength training for sports and other activities that use the forearm, wrist, and / or hand. These activities include, but are not limited to, baseball, softball, football, disc golf, darts, racquetball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, badminton, shot put, bowling, and dodgeball. Specifically, the training devices described herein provide simulated training members that are similar in shape to the sport or activity for which training is desired. When grasping or gripping the training members of the described training devices, the user can move and train their forearm, wrist, and / or hand in the actual position used in the sport or other activity. Furthermore, the described training devices can be adjusted to provide various resistance levels required for training, as well as other benefits.

[0021] Figures 1-3 show a training apparatus in one embodiment, as shown and described herein.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a front view of the training device 100 is shown. The training device 100 includes a first cylinder 130 (e.g., female cylinder), a second cylinder 140 (e.g., male cylinder), an overmolding 150 (e.g., handle or gripping portion), a tensioner element 160, a mounting clip 120, and a training member 110 (further described in Figure 4). As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the training member 110 may have a ball such as a baseball. The training device 100 can provide a user with a means to move and train the shoulder, forearm, wrist, and / or hand using the training member 110 corresponding to a specific sport or other activity (e.g., physiotherapy, physical training). In many embodiments, the user positions one hand on the training member 110 in a suitable position for a sport or other activity, while the other hand is positioned on the overmolded 150 (e.g., formed as a gripping portion or formed of a material that improves the gripping portion), thereby stabilizing the training device 100 so that the user can utilize the tension of the training device 100 to move and train a target part of the body. In many embodiments, the user can use specific positions of the forearm, wrist, and / or hand on the training member 110 to repeatedly exercise with a preset resistance force (e.g., tension) of the training device 100 to improve shoulder, forearm, wrist, and / or hand strength in a particular sport or activity.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the training device 100 is shown. The training device 100 comprises a centrally located rod (180) (e.g., a central rod element, at least partially threaded) having a first end 102 and a second end 104. In some embodiments, the rod 180 is at least partially threaded, for example, having threads that screw into at least the first end 102 and / or the second end 104. In other embodiments, the rod may also be threaded along its entire length. The training device 100 also comprises a first (e.g., female) cylinder 130 extending along the axis of the rod 180 and located on the first end 102 side of the rod 180. Furthermore, a second (e.g., male) cylinder 140 has at least one bearing surface 240 (e.g., a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface) and extends at least partially along the axis of the rod 180 between the first end 102 and the second end 104. The second cylinder 140 is inserted into at least a portion of the first cylinder 130. In addition, a grommet 230 is positioned at the first end 102 of the rod 180, and the grommet 230 can at least partially contact the inside of the first cylinder 130 along the inner bearing surface 106 during operation (e.g., under compression). A compression element 190 may have a body operably positioned at the first end 102 of the rod 180, and the compression element 190 is at least partially fastened to the rod 180 (e.g., a nut screwed onto the rod). A bearing 170 is positioned at the second end 104 of the rod 180, and the bearing 170 can at least partially contact the inside of the second cylinder 140. A tensioner 160 can be fixedly engaged with the second end 104 of the rod 180 and may contact the bearing 170.

[0024] In operation, in some embodiments, the tensioner 160, rod 180, and first cylinder 130 can rotate (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise), as a result the grommet 230 is compressed between the second cylinder 140 and the fastening means 190. That is, for example, the tensioner 160 can engage with the rod 180 at the second end 104. In this example, as the tensioner rotates and advances along the rod thread toward the first end 102, the tensioner engages with the second cylinder 140 at the second end 104, thereby causing the second cylinder to press against the grommet 230 at the inner bearing surface 106 by compressing and deforming the flexible material (e.g., polymer compound) of the grommet. In this example, the body of the compression element 190 reduces the movement of the grommet 230 toward the first end 102, as a result the grommet is compressed between the first bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder 140 and the compression element 190.

[0025] In some embodiments, the grommet 230 can be formed from an elastomer material such as polymer, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof, thereby allowing the grommet to deform under pressure and return to its original shape when the pressure is released. In this embodiment, the grommet 230 is placed under pressure by the first bearing surface 240 and compression element 190 of the second cylinder 140, resulting in deformation inside the first cylinder 130, thereby pressing the inner wall of the first cylinder 130 against the inner bearing surface 106. For example, the greater the amount of pressure applied to the bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder, provided by the rotation of the tensioner 160 toward the first end 102, the greater the deformation. In this way, for example, the amount of pressure applied to the inner wall of the first cylinder 130 can be adjusted according to a desired resistance force. (For example, greater pressure = increased deformation = greater tension on the inner bearing surface 106 of the first cylinder 130)

[0026] In many embodiments, the training device 100 functions by attaching the second cylinder 140 at least partially inside the first cylinder 130, axially separated by the grommet 230 at the first end 102 of the rod 180, and the grommet 230 is compressed against the inner wall of the first cylinder 130 and the end of the second cylinder 140. Compression of the grommet 230 and the resulting forces can occur during rotation of the second cylinder 140 relative to the first cylinder 130.

[0027] In many embodiments, the training device includes a centrally disposed rod 180 (e.g., a partially threaded rod element). The rod 180 can be composed of plastic, metal, wood, polymer, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rod 180 may be at least partially threaded, and in one embodiment, the rod 180 may be at least partially threaded at the first end 102. In one embodiment, the rod 180 may be at least partially threaded at the second end 104. In one embodiment, the central rod element is not threaded.

[0028] In many embodiments, the first cylinder 130 on the side of the first end 102 of the rod 180 can be composed of a suitable material such as polymer, plastic, metal, wood, graphite, carbon, resin, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the interior of the first cylinder 130 can have a smooth surface. In some embodiments, the training device 100 further has a structured surface inside the first cylinder 130. In the case of the training device 100, rotation of the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder 130 can be reduced by the structured surface inside the first cylinder 130 (e.g., at the inner bearing surface 106). In some embodiments, the structured surface inside the first cylinder 130 may include dimples, structured patterns, or a rough surface.

[0029] In many embodiments, the second cylinder 140 on the second end 104 side of the rod 180 is made of a suitable material such as polymer, plastic, metal, wood, graphite, carbon, resin, or a combination thereof. The second cylinder 140 has at least one bearing surface 240 at its end. The at least one bearing surface 240 may be a raised edge, lip, or step that can further function to stabilize or position the outside of the second cylinder 140 relative to the inside of the first cylinder 130. Furthermore, the at least one bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder 140 may reduce the out-of-axis movement of the first cylinder 130 during use of the training device 100. In some embodiments, there is one bearing surface 240. In some embodiments, at least one bearing surface 240 includes two ring-shaped or raised surfaces, one near the center of the second cylinder 140, which at least partially secures the second cylinder 140 to the first cylinder 130, and the other at the end of the second cylinder, which presses against the grommet 230.

[0030] In many embodiments, the grommet 230 can at least partially contact the inside of the first cylinder 130 during operation. In some embodiments, the grommet 230 may be compressed relative to the inside of the first cylinder 130. In many embodiments, the grommet 230 is made of rubber. In other embodiments, the grommet 230 is made of plastic. In one embodiment, the grommet 230 is made of flexible plastic.

[0031] In many embodiments, the training device 100 provides the user with a desired resistance force by adjustment. To increase the resistance force, the tensioner 160 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), causing pressure on the first bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder 140, resulting in a pressing force acting on the grommet 230 on the first side and on the fixed fastening means 190 on the second side. This compresses the grommet 230, expanding its diameter, thereby pressing the grommet against the inner wall of the first cylinder 130 (the grommet shown as 230 in Figure 2). That is, for example, the grommet 230 expands against the inner wall of the first cylinder 130, creating frictional resistance. To reduce resistance, the tensioner 160 may rotate in a second direction (for example, counterclockwise), moving the bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder 140 away from the grommet inside the first cylinder 130 (shown as 230 in Figure 2), contracting away from the inner wall of the first cylinder 130, reducing the diameter of the grommet 230, and thereby reducing frictional resistance.

[0032] In the case of the training device 100, the grommet 230 is compressed, and the resistance force provided by the adjustable frictional force as the second cylinder 140 rotates relative to the first cylinder 130 can be adjusted using a tensioner 160. In many embodiments, the tensioner 160 rotates to adjust the position of the tensioner relative to the rod 180, or the position of the fastening means 190 relative to the rod 180. That is, the tensioner 160 is fixed to the second end 104 of the rod 180, and the compression element 190 (e.g., a threaded nut) can be rotated toward the second end 104 and translated in a threaded manner. Alternatively, the tensioner 160 can be screwed to the second end 104 of the rod 180. When the tensioner rotates in the first direction, the tensioner 160 translates toward the first end 102, thereby pushing the second cylinder 140 toward the first end 102 through the first cylinder 130, and pushing the bearing surface 240 of the second cylinder toward the grommet 230. In some embodiments, the tensioner 160 contacts the bearing 170 to assist rotation along the rod 180. Thus, for example, the tensioner 160 can be rotated clockwise, pushing the grommet 230 and compressing it between the second cylinder 140 and the fastening means 190. In some embodiments, the axial load on the grommet 230 may be constant.

[0033] In many embodiments, the training device 100 further comprises an overmolded 150 or grip at least partially positioned on the second cylinder 140. The overmolded 150 serves to provide the user with a gripping portion during training and exercise. In some embodiments, the overmolded 150 is made of foam. In other embodiments, the overmolded 150 is made of plastic. In one embodiment, the overmolded 150 is made of smooth plastic. In one embodiment, the overmolded 150 is made of structured plastic or molded to improve gripping by the user. Other materials for the overmolded 150 may include natural materials (e.g., animal leather or plant leather).

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the tensioner 160 is provided to be in at least partial contact with the bearing 170. In some embodiments, the tensioner 160 rotates clockwise to increase the tension of the training device 100. In other embodiments, the tensioner 160 rotates counterclockwise to decrease the tension of the training device 100. In many embodiments, the tensioner 160 is made of plastic, metal, wood, or a combination thereof. Other materials are also possible. In the case of the bearing 170, the tensioner 160 may be in at least partial contact with the inter-race or groove of the bearing 170. In some embodiments, the bearing 170 is a series of ball bearings on a race. Other types of bearings 170 are also possible. In some embodiments, the bearing 170 may be omitted from the training device 100.

[0035] In many embodiments, the training device 100 includes compression elements 190 such as fastening means. The compression elements 190 include, but are not limited to, at least one nut, washer (including a lock washer), bolt, and combinations thereof. Other compression elements 190 are also conceivable. In the case of the training device 100, the rod 180 is at least partially positioned by compression elements 190 that are at least partially connected to the inner wall of the first cylinder 130. In some embodiments, the first end 102 of the rod 180 may include at least one set of nuts and washers fixed to the inner wall of the first cylinder 130. In some embodiments, the washer may be a lock washer. In one embodiment, the rod 180 may include two sets of nuts and lock washers fixed to the inner wall of the first cylinder 130.

[0036] In many embodiments, the training device 100 further comprises mounting clips 120 at least partially positioned on the first cylinder 130. In some embodiments, the mounting clips 120 may be fixedly attached to the first cylinder 130. In other embodiments, the mounting clips 120 may be selectively removable attached to the first cylinder 130. In many embodiments, the mounting clips 120 may be made of plastic, metal, wood, graphite, polymer, or a combination thereof. Other materials are also possible.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, another diagram of the training device 100 is provided, which shows the second cylinder 140, the first cylinder 130, the tensioner 160, and the overmolding 150. In many embodiments, the training device 100 further comprises a mounting clip 120 selectively positioned on the first cylinder 130. Figure 3 also provides a diagram of the mounting clip 120, as also shown in Figure 2.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first end 102 of the training device 100 further comprises a male connector 200. The male connector 200 provides means for selectively attaching the training member 110 to the rest of the training device 100. In another embodiment, the male connector 200 can be selectively and permanently attached to a female connector 210 of the training member 110, providing the user with a permanent and non-removable training member 110 in the training device 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the male connector 200 may be molded to connect to the female connector 210 (described in Figure 4) by a movable engagement, such as friction mating or by using stops and ridges positioned inside and / or outside the female connector 210. Alternatively, or in addition, to secure the training member 110 to the training device 100, the male connector 200 may include at least one thread that screws into the female connector 210 (described in Figure 4), and the female connector may also include at least one thread.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a female connector 210 having a square opening that connects to the male connector 200 in a complementary shape. Other shapes such as rectangles, circles, and ovals are also possible. Irregular shapes may be used for the male connector 200 and the female connector 210.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, a training member 110 is provided. In many embodiments, the training device 100 further comprises the training member 110. In many embodiments, the training member 110 comprises a training member insert 220 having a female connector 210 and is configured to attach to the first end 102 of the male connector 200. Although the training member 110 is shown as a ball (e.g., baseball), other sports and activities may include baseball, softball, football, disc golf, darts, racquetball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, badminton, shot put, bowling, cricket, and dodgeball, among others. Other shapes and sizes for other sports and activities are also conceivable, such as those that can accommodate gripping portions of exercise or training devices (e.g., balls, clubs, bats, etc.).

[0042] Since it is attached to the training device 100 (shown in Figure 1-3), the training member 110 includes a training member insert 220 and a female connector 210. The shape and size of the training member insert 220 and the female connector 210 are not limited, but the female connector 210 of the training member 110 is made and configured to accept a male connector 200 (shown in Figure 2) so that the training member 110 can be selectively and detachably attached to the training device 100. Since the training member 110 is detachably attached to the training device 100, various training members 110 can be used with the training device 100.

[0043] The training member insert 220 is fixedly attached to the training member 110 and is positioned inside the training member 110. In some embodiments, the training member insert 220 may be coplanar with the surface of the training member 110. In other embodiments, the training member insert 220 may not be coplanar with the surface of the training member 110. In some embodiments, the training member insert 220 is positioned inside the training member 110. In other embodiments, the training member insert 220 may be positioned to penetrate the training member 110 completely. The training member insert 220 can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or other material that facilitates connection to the training device 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the female connector 210 may be molded to accept the male connector 200. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the female connector 210 may include at least one thread for securing the training member 110 to the training device 100, and the male connector 200 may also include at least one thread that is screwed into the female connector. Figure 4 shows a square female connector 210, but other shapes such as rectangular, circular, or elliptical are also possible. Irregular shapes may be used for the female connector 210.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more parts of the training device 100 can be manufactured by 3D printing. In other embodiments, the training device 100 can be manufactured by forming operations (e.g., molding, injection, blow, casting, etc.), milling, stamping, or by other methods of forming the parts.

[0046] Furthermore, we disclose a training method using a training device equipped with the following: A training device comprising: 1) a centrally positioned rod element having a first end and a second end; 2) a first cylinder extending along the axis of the rod element and located on the first end side of the rod element; 3) a second cylinder having at least one bearing surface, extending at least partially along the axis of the rod element between the first end and the second end of the rod element, and being inserted into at least a portion of the first cylinder; 4) a grommet provided on the first end side of the rod element and operably at least partially in contact with the interior of the first cylinder; 5) a compression element provided on the first end side of the rod element, the body of which is at least partially fastened to the rod element; 6) a second bearing surface provided on the second end side of the rod element and at least partially in contact with the interior of the second cylinder; and 7) a tensioner rotatably mounted on the second end of the rod element and pressed against a bearing, wherein the tensioner, the rod element, and the first cylinder rotate clockwise, and the grommet is compressed between the second cylinder and the compression element.

[0047] Embodiment

[0048] The following embodiments are possible. Herein, any combination of features and embodiments is possible.

[0049] Embodiment 1: The illustrated and described training device.

[0050] Embodiment 2: 1) A central rod element having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first tip; 2) A first cylinder extending along the axis of the central rod element and located on the first end side of the central rod element; 3) A second cylinder having at least one bearing surface, extending at least partially along the axis of the central rod element between the first end and the second end of the central rod element, and inserted into at least a portion of the first cylinder; 4) Provided on the first end side of the central rod element and at least partially inside the first cylinder A training device comprising: a contacting grommet; 5) fastening means provided at the first tip of the first end of the central rod element and at least partially fastened to the central rod element; 6) a bearing provided on the second end side of the central rod element and at least partially in contact with the inside of the second cylinder; and 7) a tensioner rotatably mounted on the second end of the central rod element and pressed against the bearing, wherein when the tensioner rotates relative to the central rod element, the grommet is compressed between the second cylinder and the fastening means.

[0051] Embodiment 3: The training apparatus according to Embodiment 2, further comprising an overmolded / grip component fixedly engaged with and at least partially positioned on the second cylinder.

[0052] Embodiment 4: The training apparatus according to either Embodiment 2 or 3, further comprising a mounting clip at least partially positioned on the first cylinder with a selectable engagement.

[0053] Embodiment 5: The training device according to Embodiment 4, wherein the mounting clip further comprises a male connector.

[0054] Embodiment 6: A training device according to any one of Embodiments 2-5, further comprising a training member, wherein the training member comprises a training member insert having a female connector, and is configured to be attached to the first end side of the male connector of the mounting clip.

[0055] Embodiment 7: A training device according to any of Embodiments 2-6, wherein the tensioner (for example, the central rod element in some cases) rotates counterclockwise and the grommet is depressurized between the second cylinder and the fastening means.

[0056] Embodiment 8: The training apparatus according to any of Embodiments 2-7, wherein the grommet is made of rubber, polymer, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Embodiment 9: The training apparatus according to any of Embodiments 2-8, further comprising a structured surface inside the first cylinder.

[0058] In some embodiments, during operation, the tensioner can be rotated in a first direction (e.g., tightening) to compress the grommet against the inner wall of the first (female) cylinder, or rotated in a second direction to reduce the grommet against the inner wall of the first (female) cylinder to a desired preset resistance force applied to the first cylinder. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a desired training member (e.g., a training ball or other shape) can have a female connector and be attached to the male connector located at the first end of the first cylinder. For example, once the training member is attached and the desired resistance force is achieved, the training device can be used. In this example, the user can grasp the training member with a first hand (e.g., dominant hand) that needs training and grasp the overmolded / grip with a second hand (e.g., non-dominant hand). During use, the second hand can remain substantially stationary and provide a fixing force, while the first hand can rotate the training member in the desired training mode (e.g., rotating the wrist up and down). The target resistance force set by the tensioner can provide the user with the force they need to overcome, thereby training the user's strength and coordination, such as increasing grip strength and arm / forearm strength. Furthermore, the resistance force can be selectively reduced or increased to suit the desired training.

[0059] The above description includes examples of the subject matter of the claims. All details and modifications to the description relating to “Background Art” and “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that some of the embodiments of the subject matter of the claims, as well as some of the various embodiments and features listed below and / or in the appended claims, can be combined or substituted, either in whole or in part. In the description of the various embodiments above, these embodiments that refer to other embodiments can be appropriately combined with other embodiments as understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the above description is merely an example and is not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims, and that many more combinations and substitutions of the subject matter of the claims are possible. Of course, it is impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods in order to describe the subject matter of the claims, but this will be recognizable to those skilled in the art. Thus, the subject matter of the claims includes all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, as long as the term "includes" is used in either the specification or the claims, such a term is intended to be as comprehensive as the term "comprising," just as "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional clause in a claim.

Claims

1. A centrally located rod having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, A first cylinder extends from the first end of the rod along the longitudinal axis of the rod, houses at least a portion of the rod, and further has an inner bearing surface on its inner wall at the first end, A second cylinder extends from the second end of the rod along the longitudinal axis of the rod, houses at least a portion of the rod, and at least a portion of the second cylinder is disposed inside the first cylinder, A grommet is positioned on the rod at the first end, is selectably compressible, and operably contacts the inner wall of the first cylinder, The tensioner element comprises a body that engages with the second end of the rod and contacts the second cylinder, The tensioner element is configured such that when it rotates in a first direction, the grommet is compressed between the second cylinder and the first end of the rod, and as a result, the grommet expands radially toward the inner bearing surface of the first cylinder, away from the longitudinal axis of the rod. Training equipment.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a compression element positioned at the first end of the rod, wherein the compression element remains operably stationary relative to the first cylinder, and when the tensioner element rotates, the rod rotates relative to the compression element and compresses the grommet.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rod has a threaded portion at its first end, the compression element has a threaded fastener disposed on the threaded portion of the rod, the fastener remains operably stationary relative to the first cylinder, and when the tensioner element rotates, the rod rotates within the fastener and compresses the grommet.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fastener has a threaded portion on the inner wall of the first cylinder at the first end.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a washer positioned in contact with the grommet as the compression element.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bearing positioned at the second end of the rod, wherein the bearing is in fixed contact with the inside of the second cylinder, and the rod is able to rotate relative to the second cylinder.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an overmolded portion at least partially disposed on the outside of the second cylinder.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting clip movably disposed on the first end side, wherein the mounting clip is movably and selectively coupled to a female connector on the first end side of the first cylinder.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a male connector to which the first end of the first cylinder is operably coupled with the female connector.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a training member of a shape and size that is grasped by a user, wherein the training member is fixedly engaged with a mounting clip having a size and shape that is movably and selectively attached to the first end side of the first cylinder.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tensioner element is configured such that when it rotates in a second direction, the grommet is depressurized, and as a result, the grommet contracts radially toward the longitudinal axis of the rod and away from the inner bearing surface of the first cylinder.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a structured surface on the inner bearing surface of the inner wall at the first end.

13. The second cylinder is positioned close to the first end of the rod and has a first bearing surface that operably contacts the grommet and provides pressure to the grommet, The rod comprises either or both of the following: a second bearing surface positioned close to the second end of the rod and operably in contact with the body of the tensioner element, The apparatus according to claim 1.

14. A central rod element having a first end and a second end, A female cylinder extending along the axis of the central rod element and located at the first end of the central rod element, A male cylinder having a first bearing surface adjacent to the first end of the central rod element, extending at least partially along the axis of the central rod element between the first end and the second end of the central rod element, and being inserted into at least a portion of the female cylinder, A grommet provided at the first end of the central rod element, which operably contacts at least partially the inside of the female cylinder, A fastening means provided at the first end of the central rod element and fastened at least partially to the central rod element, A bearing is provided at the second end of the central rod element and at least partially in contact with the inside of the male cylinder, The central rod element is rotatably attached to the second end and includes a tensioner that contacts the rotating element, A training device characterized in that when the tensioner rotates in a first direction, the grommet is compressed between the male cylinder and the fastening means, and as a result the grommet is compressed against the inner wall of the female cylinder.

15. The training device according to claim 14, further comprising a mounting clip having a female connector that is operably and selectively coupled to the female cylinder.

16. The training device according to claim 15, further comprising a male connector operably coupled to the female connector at the first end of the female cylinder.

17. The training device according to claim 16, further comprising a training member, wherein the training member comprises a training member insert having the female connector, and the first end of the male connector is configured to be attached to the mounting clip.

18. The training device according to claim 14, further comprising a structured surface on at least a portion of the inside of the female cylinder.

19. A rod positioned in the center having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, A first cylinder extends from the first end of the rod along its longitudinal axis, houses at least a portion of the rod, and further has an inner bearing surface on its inner wall at the first end, A second cylinder extends from the second end of the rod along its longitudinal axis, houses at least a portion of the rod, and at least a portion of the second cylinder is positioned inside the first cylinder, A selectably compressible grommet is positioned on the rod at the first end and operably contacts the inner wall of the first cylinder, A tensioner element having a body that engages with the second end of the rod and contacts the second cylinder, A method for using a training device, characterized in that when the tensioner element rotates in a first direction, the grommet is compressed between the second cylinder and the first end of the rod, and as a result, the grommet expands radially toward the inner bearing surface of the first cylinder, away from the longitudinal axis of the rod, The steps include increasing the amount of friction between the grommet and the inner bearing surface by rotating the tensioner element in the first direction, The steps include connecting the training member to the first end side of the first cylinder, The method includes the step of rotating the training member with the first hand while holding the second cylinder with the second hand.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising the step of reducing the amount of friction between the grommet and the inner bearing surface by rotating the tensioner element in a second direction.

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